Reaching aid and method for the physically impaired

ABSTRACT

A reaching aid allowing a physically impaired user to retrieve one or more distant items is discussed. The reaching aid includes an apparatus body, a handle, a retrieving hook, and optionally a retrieving probe. The handle may be pivotally coupled with the apparatus body on a proximal end portion and may optionally include a limb support. One or both of the retrieving hook or the retrieving probe are disposed at a distal end portion of the apparatus body and may be movable both longitudinally and rotatably using an actuating arm member. A method of manufacturing and a method of using the reaching aid are also discussed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent document pertains generally to aids for the physically impaired, such as the elderly, handicapped, or others with little to no hand function or mobility. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this patent document pertains to a reaching aid for the physically impaired which allows for the retrieval of items, both small and large, that are otherwise out of reach.

BACKGROUND

Physically impaired people, such as the elderly and handicapped, face obstacles on a daily basis that most of us take for granted. Simple tasks that are usually performed without thought, often require a great deal of effort and forethought by the impaired. Fortunately, the public at large is becoming increasingly aware of the difficulties that these people face and are responding in a positive manner. For example, legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (typically referred to as the “ADA”) imposes responsibilities upon the public sector to make provisions to accommodate the physically impaired so that they may gain access to, and take advantage of, the various goods and services available to others.

Unfortunately, however, the physically impaired face many difficulties inside their own home which public sector efforts do not help. For example, it is a problem for the elderly and handicapped to pick-up objects that are out of reach, whether on the floor or on a shelf. Moreover, many elderly or handicapped people are confined to a wheelchair or in bed and cannot move sufficiently to reach objects even on their own level. Often the elderly or handicapped lack sufficient strength in, or control of, their hands to properly grip an item, even if they could otherwise pick it up.

For these reasons and others, what is needed is a reaching aid for the physically impaired which does not require great physical effort to establish or hold a grip. In addition, what is needed is a reaching aid that can be adjusted to an optimal position to meet different user preferences and jobs.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present subject matter include a reaching aid comprising an apparatus body, a handle, a retrieving hook, and a retrieving probe. The apparatus body extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and has an intermediate portion therebetween. The handle is disposed at the proximal end portion of the apparatus body. The retrieving hook and the retrieving probe are disposed at the distal end portion of the apparatus body.

Certain embodiments of the present subject matter include a reaching aid comprising a partially hollow apparatus body, a handle, a limb support, and one or more retrieving members. The apparatus body extends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and has an intermediate portion therebetween. The handle is pivotally coupled with the proximal end portion of the apparatus body, while the one or more retrieving members are disposed at the distal end portion of the apparatus body.

Certain embodiments of the present subject matter include a method of manufacturing a reaching aid comprising forming an apparatus body, coupling a handle with a proximal end portion of the apparatus body, coupling a retrieving hook with a distal end portion of the apparatus body, and disposing a retrieving probe coupled with an actuating arm member at the distal end portion of the apparatus body. In one embodiment, the handle is pivotally coupled with the apparatus body. In another embodiment, the method further comprises coupling a limb support with the handle.

Certain embodiments of the present subject matter include a method of using a reaching aid to retrieve an item comprising inserting a hand, wrist, or forearm into an limb insertion gap defined, part, by a handle and a limb support, adjusting an orientation of an apparatus body relative to the handle, establishing a connection between one or more retrieving members and the item, and retrieving the item. In one embodiment, adjusting the orientation of the apparatus body includes using one or more bite-receiving members. In another embodiment, establishing the connection between the one or more retrieving members and the item includes changing a length of the apparatus body.

Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the present reaching aids and methods provide a physically impaired user with a ready means to reach a large variety of items. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the present reaching aids are cost-competitive to manufacture and assemble, are durable and long-lasting in use, and are ergonomically designed for optimal user comfort during the retrieval of items. These and other examples, advantages, and features of the present reaching aids and methods will be set forth in part in the detailed description, which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the present reaching aids, methods, and drawings or by practice of the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like numerals describe similar components throughout the several views. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a reaching aid in use by a physically impaired person, the reaching aid being constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a reaching aid, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a proximal end portion of a reaching aid, including a handle and a limb support, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a proximal end portion of a reaching aid, including a pivot joint, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a distal end portion of a reaching aid, including a retrieving hook and a retrieving probe, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a retrieving probe, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an intermediate portion of a reaching aid, including an actuating arm member, one or more bite-receiving members, and an apparatus body, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of manufacturing a reaching aid, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of using a reaching aid to retrieve an item, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present reaching aids and methods may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present reaching aids and methods. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized or structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present reaching aids and methods. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present reaching aids and methods are defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more than one, and the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a physically impaired user 102, such as an elderly or handicapped person, using a reaching aid 100 to retrieve an item 106 from a closet 108. As shown, the physically impaired user 102 is confined to a wheelchair 104 and may have limited strength in, or control of, his/her hands. As a result, he/she 102 may not be able to retrieve distant items without the use of the reaching aid 100. Among other advantages, the present reaching aid 100 may include a limb support 110 providing adequate attachment strength between the reaching aid 100 and the user's 102 hand, wrist, or forearm, even if he/she has limited hand strength or control.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a reaching aid 100, as constructed in accordance with at least one embodiment. In this embodiment, the reaching aid 100 includes an apparatus body 200 extending from a proximal end portion 202 to a distal end portion 204 and having an intermediate portion 206 therebetween. While the apparatus body 200 shown includes a one piece member, the body 200 may optionally be made of two or more pieces of slightly different sizes thereby forming a telescoping unit. In such an embodiment, the length of the apparatus body 200 may be adjusted by longitudinally sliding the two or more pieces relative to one another. In certain embodiments, the apparatus body 200 has a length of about 15-25 inches, such as 20 inches, and a diameter or width of about 0.25-1.0 inches, such as 0.5 inches.

Many other options are available to the apparatus body 200 as well. For instance, the apparatus body 200 may include a variety of substantially rigid and light-weight materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, metal alloy, wood, polyvinyl chloride (typically referred to as “PVC”) or another rigid but lightweight polymer material. In varying embodiments, the apparatus body 200 and other components of the reaching aid 100 include materials resistant to corrosion or other deterioration from routine sterilization techniques. The apparatus body 200 may have a variety of outer cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, some of which are partially hollow to define a longitudinally extending bore allowing for component linking 250 (shown in phantom), such as the linking between a distally positioned retrieving probe 214 and an actuating arm member 216, within the apparatus body 200. In the embodiment shown, one or more bite-receiving members 218 are disposed around the apparatus body 200 or the actuating arm member 216 allowing the user 102 (FIG. 1) to manipulate the reaching aid 100 using his/her mouth in addition to hand or arm generated movements, if desired.

A handle 208 is disposed at the proximal end portion 202 of the apparatus body 200 and may be pivotally coupled therewith by a pivot joint 210. As further shown in FIG. 4, the pivot joint 210 allows the handle 208 to assume a number of different orientations relative to the apparatus body 200. In the embodiment shown, the handle 208 may further include a limb support 110 helping to provide adequate attachment strength between the reaching aid 100 and a user's 102 hand, wrist, or forearm. In certain embodiments, the handle 208 has a length of about 4-8 inches, such as 5 inches, while the limb support 110 has a length of about 3.5-7.5 inches, such as 4.5 inches.

At the distal end portion 204 of the apparatus body 200, one or more retrieving members, such as a retrieving hook 212 or the retrieving probe 214 are disposed. The retrieving hook 212 allows a user 102 to engage a distant item via a hooking or pushing connection scheme and direct such item to him/her. In a similar manner, the retrieving probe 214 allows the user to retrieve thin, flat, or puncturable items, such as one or more sheets of paper. In certain embodiments, the retrieving hook 212 perpendicularly extends 1-4 inches from the apparatus body 200, such as 1.75 inches. In certain embodiments, the retrieving prove 214 longitudinally extends 1-4 inches, such as 1.75 inches, past the distal end of the apparatus body 200 when the actuating arm member 216 is in a second position.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a handle 208 of a reaching aid 100 (FIG. 1). As shown, the handle 208 may be used conjunctively with a limb support 110, which is size, shaped, and oriented relative thereto such that a user's 102 (FIG. 1) limb (e.g., hand, wrist, or forearm) may be wedged in a defined limb insertion gap 302 creating an adequate connection scheme between the reaching aid 100 and the user's 102 limb. In one embodiment, the limb support 110 includes a substantially rigid material which deflects upon the insertion and wedging of the user's 102 hand, wrist, or forearm between the support 110 and the handle 208 (i.e., into the defined limb insertion gap 302). In such an embodiment, the limb support 110 or the handle 208 may be coated with a soft deformable material, such as soft plastic, rubber, or foam, to provide comfort to the user 102. Additionally, one or both of the limb support 110 or the handle 208 may include at least one recess 304 (shown in phantom) to assist in the connection scheme between the reaching aid 100 and the user's hand, wrist, or forearm.

In lieu of the limb support 110 shown in FIG. 3, the limb support 110 may alternatively include one or more adjustable straps to secure the user's hand, wrist, or forearm to the handle 208. For instance, the user's hand or wrist may be positioned adjacent the handle 208 and one or more straps connected to the handle 208 may then be wrapped therearound and snapped, tied, or hook-and-looped for securement. The straps may include an elastic material to provide a snug, but comfortable, fit between the user 102 and the reaching aid 100. Other materials, such as leather, plastic, or fabric could also be used for the adjustment straps. Whether the limb support 110 shown in FIG. 3 or one or more straps are used, each advantageously provide for quick and secure fastening of a user's 102 limb to the reaching apparatus 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates an adjustable coupling that may optionally be established between a handle 208 and a proximal end 202 of an apparatus body 200. The ability of the handle 208 and the apparatus body 200 to couple at varying angles allows an impaired user 102 (FIG. 1) to comfortably retrieve items, while at the same time reducing stress and injury no matter what an item's relative location may be to the user 102. While adjustability is important, so is the ease with which any adjustment can be made. For this reason, certain adjustment capabilities between the handle 208 and the apparatus body 200 do not demand the use of tools.

In varying embodiments, the adjustable coupling is accomplished using a pivot joint 402. In the embodiment shown, the pivot joint 402 includes a ball 404 and socket 406 swivel arrangement. The ball element 404 is coupled with the apparatus body 200 using one or more fasteners 408 (e.g., screws, rivets, or nuts and bolts), while the socket element 406 is coupled with the handle 208. In this embodiment, the swivel arrangement further includes a means 410, such as rotational threads, to increase or decrease the strength with which a selected handle 208 and apparatus body 200 orientation is maintained.

FIG. 5 illustrates a distal end portion 204 of an apparatus body 200. In this embodiment, the distal end portion 204 includes one or more retrieving members, such as a retrieving hook 212, a retrieving probe 214, and a magnet 502. The retrieving hook 212 allows a user 102 (FIG. 1) to retrieve distant non-flat or non-puncturable items, while the retrieving probe 214 finds utility in retrieving distant flat or puncturable items, such as one or more sheets of paper. In certain embodiments, the retrieving probe 214 includes a curved tip portion 602 to better hold any retrieved items, as shown in FIG. 6.

The magnet 502 allows for the retrieval of flat and non-flat items provided such item is at least partially magnetic. In one embodiment, the magnet 502 includes a permanent magnet. In another embodiment, the magnet 502 includes an electromagnet controlled by a switch and powered by one or more batteries disposed in the apparatus body 200 or the handle 208 (FIG. 2). An indicator light, such as a light emitting diode (typically referred to as an “LED”), disposed on the handle 208 or elsewhere on the reaching aid 100 (FIG. 2) may indicate the ON/OFF status of the electromagnet.

FIG. 7 illustrates, among other things, an intermediate portion 206 of an apparatus body 200. In this embodiment, the apparatus body 200 includes an actuating groove 702 which guides an actuating arm member 216 between a first 704 and a second 706 position. In certain embodiments, the actuating arm member 216 is linked with a retrieving hook 212 (FIG. 2) and thereby controls movements of the retrieving hook 212 (FIG. 2) between various longitudinal or radial apparatus body 200 positions. In certain embodiments, the actuating arm member 216 (FIG. 2) is linked with a retrieving probe 214 (FIG. 2) and thereby controls movement of the retrieving probe 214 between a first position in which the probe is stored within the apparatus body 200 and a second position in which the probe extends from the apparatus body 200 (see, e.g., FIG. 5).

In this embodiment, the first 704 and second 706 positions of the actuating groove 702 include a traverse groove portion which locks a position of the actuating arm member 216 relative to the apparatus body 200 and thus, locks a position of the retrieving hook 212 or the retrieving probe 214. In certain embodiments, the linkages 250 (FIG. 2) between the actuating arm member 216 and the retrieving hook 212 or the retrieving probe 214 are slidably disposed within the apparatus body 200. In one such embodiment, the linkages 250 are cocked at an angle A (FIG. 2) to an axis 205 (FIG. 2) of the apparatus body 200 thereby creating friction and interference between the linkages 250 and an inner surface of the apparatus body 200 (see FIG. 2). In this way, the retrieving hook 212 (FIG. 2) or the retrieving probe 214 (FIG. 2) are further prevented from moving relative to the apparatus body 200 absent sufficient user 102 (FIG. 1) created force.

As further shown, portions of the apparatus body 200 and the actuating arm member 216 may be covered by a bite-receiving member 218. The bite-receiving members 218 allow a user 102 to move the actuating arm member 216 and thus the retrieving hook 212 (FIG. 2) or the retrieving probe 214 (FIG. 2), or provide for better control of the apparatus body 200. Each bite-receiving member 218 may be fabricated, at least in part, from a relatively soft material, such as rubber. In the illustrated embodiment, the bite-receiving members 218 include a rubber body which surrounds an internal metal framework.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of manufacturing a reaching aid. At 802, an apparatus body extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion is formed. In varying embodiments, forming the apparatus body includes forming a longitudinally extending bore within the body. At 804, a handle is coupled with the proximal end portion of the apparatus body. In varying embodiments, the handle is pivotably coupled with the apparatus body allowing for numerous relative orientations between such components.

At 806, a retrieving hook is coupled with the distal end portion of the apparatus body. In certain embodiments, the retrieving hook is coupled at the distal end portion to a linkage within the apparatus body allowing the hook to be longitudinally or radially adjusted. At 808, a retrieving probe is disposed at the distal end portion. In certain embodiments, the retrieving prove is movable between a first position within the apparatus body and a second position in which the retrieving probe extends from the apparatus body. At 810, a limb support is optionally coupled with the handle.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of using a reaching aid to retrieve an item. At 902, a user inserts his/her hand, wrist, or forearm into a limb insertion gap defined, at least in part, by a handle and a limb support coupled with a portion of the handle. At 904, an orientation of an apparatus body relative to the handle is adjusted. In one embodiment, the adjustment between the apparatus body and the handle includes the use of one or more bite-receiving members disposed around a portion of the apparatus body.

At 906, a connection between one or more retrieving members disposed at a distal end portion of the apparatus body and the item is established. In one embodiment, the establishment of the connection between the retrieving members and the item includes the changing of an apparatus body length. In another embodiment, the establishment of the connection between the retrieving members and the item includes the movement of an actuating arm member from a first position to a second position. In yet another embodiment, the establishment of the connection between the retrieving members and the item includes the use of a curved tip portion of a retrieving probe. At 908, the item is retrieved.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments and embodiment lengths will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the present reaching aids and methods should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, assembly, article, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

1. A reaching aid comprising: an apparatus body extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and having an intermediate portion therebetween; a handle disposed at the proximal end portion of the apparatus body; a retrieving hook disposed at the distal end portion of the apparatus body; and a retrieving probe disposed at the distal end portion of the apparatus body.
 2. The reaching aid of claim 1, wherein the handle is pivotally coupled with the proximal end portion of the apparatus body.
 3. The reaching aid of claim 1, wherein the apparatus body includes a longitudinally extending bore.
 4. The reaching aid of claim 3, further comprising an actuating arm member coupled with one or both of the retrieving hook or the retrieving probe via one or more linkages disposed in the longitudinally extending bore.
 5. The reaching aid of claim 4, wherein the one or more linkages are cocked at an angle to an axis of the apparatus body.
 6. The reaching aid of claim 1, wherein the retrieving probe is movable between a first position in which the retrieving probe is disposed within the apparatus body and a second position in which the retrieving probe extends from the distal end of the apparatus body.
 7. The reaching aid of claim 1, further comprising one or more bite-receiving members disposed around a portion of the apparatus body or an actuating arm member.
 8. The reaching aid of claim 7, wherein the one or more bite-receiving members include rubber.
 9. The reaching aid of claim 1, further comprising a limb support coupled with a portion of the handle.
 10. The reaching aid of claim 9, wherein the limb support includes a limb support body extending from a first end coupled with the portion of the handle to a second end spaced from the handle, the limb support body and the handle together defining a limb insertion gap.
 11. The reaching aid of claim 9, wherein one or both of the limb support or the handle are coated with a deformable material.
 12. The reaching aid of claim 1, wherein the apparatus body includes two or more telescoping pieces.
 13. The reaching aid of claim 1, wherein the apparatus body includes one or more of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium.
 14. The reaching aide of claim 1, wherein the retrieving probe includes a curved tip portion.
 15. A reaching aid comprising: a partially hollow apparatus body extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and having an intermediate portion therebetween; a handle pivotally coupled with the proximal end portion of the apparatus body; a limb support coupled with a portion of the handle; and one or more retrieving members disposed at the distal end portion of the apparatus body.
 16. The reaching aid of claim 15, wherein the one or more retrieving members include at least one of a retrieving hook or a retrieving probe.
 17. The reaching aid of claim 15, further comprising an actuating arm member coupled with the one or more retrieving members via one or more internally-disposed linkages.
 18. The reaching aid of claim 17, wherein the apparatus body includes an actuating groove having one or more traverse groove portions to selectively lock a position of the actuating arm member.
 19. The reaching aid of claim 15, wherein the apparatus body includes a telescoping section.
 20. The reaching aid of claim 15, further comprising one or more bite-receiving members disposed around a portion of the apparatus body or an actuating arm member.
 21. The reaching aid of claim 15, further comprising a magnet disposed at a distal end portion of the apparatus body.
 22. A method of manufacturing a reaching aid, the method comprising: forming an apparatus body extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, including forming a longitudinally extending bore within the apparatus body; coupling a handle with the proximal end portion of the apparatus body; coupling a retrieving hook with the distal end portion of the apparatus body; and disposing a retrieving probe coupled with an actuating arm member at the distal end portion of the apparatus body.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein coupling the handle with the apparatus body includes pivotally coupling the handle with the apparatus body.
 24. The method of claim 22, further comprising coupling a limb support with a portion of the handle, including forming a limb insertion gap between the limb support and the handle.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein disposing the retrieving probe at the distal end portion of the apparatus body includes disposing the retrieving probe within the apparatus body when the actuating arm member is in a first position and disposing the retrieving probe external to the apparatus body when the actuating arm member is in a second position.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein forming the apparatus body includes forming two or more telescoping pieces.
 27. The method of claim 22, further comprising disposing one or more bite-receiving members around a portion of the apparatus body or the actuating arm member.
 28. The method of claim 22, further comprising curving a tip portion of the retrieving probe.
 29. A method of using a reaching aid to retrieve an item, the method comprising: inserting a hand, wrist, or forearm into a limb insertion gap defined, at least in part, by a handle and a limb support coupled with a portion of the handle; adjusting an orientation of an apparatus body relative to the handle; establishing a connection between one or more retrieving members disposed at a distal end portion of the apparatus body and the item; and retrieving the item.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein adjusting the orientation of the apparatus body includes using one or more bite-receiving members disposed around a portion of the apparatus body.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein establishing the connection between the one or more retrieving members and the item includes changing a length of the apparatus body via two or more telescoping body pieces.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein establishing the connection between the one or more retrieving members and the item includes moving an actuating arm member coupled with the one or more retrieving members from a first position to a second position.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein establishing the connection between the one or more retrieving members and the item includes using a curved tip portion of a retrieving probe. 